Sicily

Overview

Sicily is an autonomous region with the largest island in the Mediterranean
Sea separated from the Italian Peninsula by the Strait of Messina
and boasts of a beautiful landscape with smaller group of islands
scattered around the coast. Here you will find the Etna, the highest
active volcano in Europe.

Located compactly at one central crossroad, all
surviving ancient monuments and structures showcase a variety of
architectural styles which may be seen in the historic district
of Palermo: the hybrid Norman-Arab-Baroque Cattedrale-S.Maria Assunta
and Palazzo dei Normanni (Royal Palace), the mosaic-decorated chapel
of the Cappella Palatina, Norman churches of La Martorana and San
Giovanni degli Eremeti, Baroque style of San Giuseppe dei Teatini.

Sicily is also well known for its art. Many artists
and famous poets were born in this region. The like of Luigi Pirandello,
Giovanni Verga, Salvatore Quasimodo, Gesualdo Bufalino and the poet
Ignazio Buttitta. Other Sicilian artists include the composers Sigismondo
d'India, Vincenzo Bellini, as well as the sculptor Tommaso Geraci.

Caltagirone is a mountain town famous for its
traditional hand-made ceramics. One of the most famous festivals
celebrated during July 24 and 25 is dedicated to S. Giacomo and
is celebrated with the use of luminarie - huge images with colored
lights.